Cruise operator Hapag-Lloyd has defended its decision to shoot dead a polar bear in Norway after a member of crew was attacked and injured.
The incident happened on the Svalbard archipelago on Saturday prompting a deluge of criticism on social media, including from comedian Ricky Gervais.
Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Bremen was operating a cruise to the Arctic wilderness in the north of Norway when the attack happened.
In a statement the German cruise operator said the decision to kill the bear had been necessary and that it very much regretted the incident.
“The incident occurred when the four-person polar bear guard team, who are always on board for these expedition cruises as required by law, prepared for a shore leave.
“One of the guards was unexpectedly attacked by a polar bear that had not been spotted and he was unable to react himself.
“As the attempts of the other guards to evict the animal, unfortunately, were not successful, there had to be intervention for reasons of self-defence and to protect the life of the attacked person.
“The injured person was immediately provided with medical care and flown to a hospital with a rescue helicopter. We are in personal, direct contact with him. His condition is stable and he remains responsive.
“Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has worked comprehensively and co-operatively with the Norwegian authorities to reconstruct and clarify the incident on the ground and will continue to do so.
“Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been traveling to these destinations for many years with an experienced crew.
“The cruise operator is respected in the destinations as a responsible partner and the experts actively inform the guests about the appropriate behaviour required in these areas. We are extremely sorry that this incident has happened.”